In the mountains of Pogradec, Albania our dog rescuer, Enkel, stumbled upon Leda and her litter while in pursuit of Shoku, a stray Golden Retriever we were arranging to rehome in the USA. Tragically, Shoku met with a fatal accident in Albania. Leda, despite a badly injured back leg and severe malnutrition, displayed astonishing resilience, trekking between the mountains and town to nourish her offspring, all while shying away from human contact due to deep-seated fear. Enkel, in his daily visits bearing food, could never fully gain her trust.

Our hearts ached for Leda, witnessing her pain and reluctance to accept help from humans. Promising her assistance, we prioritized caring for her puppies and to ensure their safety and well-being, Enkel moved them from the mountains, though Leda would sneak in to visit when no humans were around, showing her maternal instincts even amidst her fear. All the puppies eventually found homes except Kenya. Kenya, as you might recall from my Instagram posts (@RescueTravelTails) or Mija's fundraiser, underwent multiple surgeries in Thessaloniki, Greece after being hit by a car. She is now able to walk again and is thriving in her furever home in Greece.

Though we managed to spay Leda through a campaign in Pogradec, her profound fear made it impossible to confine her post-operation. Local veterinarians unanimously recommended amputating her injured leg, but the thought of returning her to the streets afterward troubled us deeply. Leda would require an exceedingly patient adopter or foster, preferably in a spacious rural setting with other dogs for companionship. However, such placements are notoriously difficult to secure.

Thankfully, Dr. Kyriakos Agathagelidis, the compassionate vet who treated Kenya, offered to assist Leda. Despite our initial apprehensions about transporting her to Greece, Leda arrived without issues and is now undergoing treatment. Her diagnosis includes an old fracture and arthritis in her left tarsometatarsal joint, necessitating arthrodesis surgery.

Here's where your help is needed: covering transportation costs from Pogradec to Thessaloniki, her medical expenses, and planning for her post-surgery care and rehabilitation. We can't bear the thought of returning Leda to the streets where poisoning and abuse from humans is far too common. We're actively exploring all avenues, including potential rescue or fostering opportunities within Europe. Time is of the essence, and we implore anyone with viable solutions to reach out.

Leda, known by various names but now officially called "Leda" in Greek meaning woman of quiet strength, deserves a chance at a better life, and with your support, we can make it happen.

All extra money raised will go to helping other dogs in Albania like Leda.